Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said three of his best players _ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, tackle Marcus Gilbert and defensive end Cam Heyward _ have a chance to play Sunday in Baltimore against the Ravens.
However, Tomlin would not assess the chances of each individual player, including Roethlisberger, instead lumping all three in the same category when asked repeatedly about his quarterback's possible return from knee surgery.
"I think all cards are on the table and we're going to get let this process of practice be our guide, whether or not they play or, if they play, how much they will play," Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly televised news conference."
Roethlisberger returned to practice on a limited basis on Monday after missing the New England game with a partially torn meniscus. But Tomlin would not say how his practice reps will be divided with backup Landry Jones the remainder of the week when the players return Wednesday to begin preparations for the Ravens (3-4).
Again, he referred to Roethlisberger as part of a group with Gilbert and Heyward.
"We're going to do it on a day-to-day basis, how they feel, their overall readiness and how they feel about attacking that day's challenge," Tomlin said.
Running back DeAngelo Williams (knee inflammation), who did not play against the Patriots, and backup safety Shamarko Thomas also has a chance to return against the Ravens.
Tomlin said he has been pleased with the progress of tight end Ladarius Green, who began practicing last week for the first time since signing with the Steelers in free agency. The Steelers have 21 days from the point of his first practice to decide if they want to activate him from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-man roster or put him on season-ending injured reserve.
"He's worked nicely," Tomlin said. "We're pleased with his progress, not just his physical abilities but his mental abilities for a guy who hasn't had a lot of physical reps. That's exciting. Hopefully his quick study will make that decision quicker and easier."
